France

France is home to Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain, and undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations across the world for skiing, hiking and climbing: walking in the French Alps means being surrounded by the views of snow-filled summits, winding glaciers and rock pinnacles 24/7.

Visit Chamonix, a lively mountaineering town - we discover the surrounding hillsides and valleys on our Rail & Trail holidays - from sunny pine forests to gushing waterfalls, all beneath the Mont Blanc massif. Cable cars allow for quick access to many areas, making this the ideal starting point for a relaxed exploration of high altitudes. Nearby Les Houches is the starting point of our Tour de Mont Blanc holiday, following the eponymous  world-famous Alpine long-distance trail around Mont Blanc. Passing through Italy, Switzerland and back into France, 170km of ascents and descents will take you through awe-inspiring scenery, small upland villages and green valley floors.

The classic Alpine trekking route. The Tour du Mont Blanc takes you all the way round the magnificent Mont Blanc Massif and the highest peak in western Europe. Hikers are treated to the full spectacle of Alpine scenery - from green valleys, to flowery pastures and high mountain passes. Overnight stays range from quiet upland villages to high mountain huts, where you can continue to enjoy beautiful vistas over dinner.

The Walker’s Haute Route takes you from one famous centre of mountaineering to another - from Chamonix, resting in the shadow of Mont Blanc, to Zermatt, nestled beneath the Matterhorn. The route in between takes walkers over a series of dramatic mountain passes and through remote Alpine scenery. Many nights are spent in high mountain refuges, where civilisation feels a million miles away.

Chamonix attracts adventurers and walkers from all over the world as the perfect base for outdoor activities. Our Multi-Centre walking itinerary offers you the chance to enjoy the very best walking in the Chamonix area, at whatever pace you prefer, making use of the extensive cable car and public transport network of the valley.